Training leaders: Nonprofit uses martial arts to build confidence in kids

ROCKWOOD, Ore. (InvestigateTV) — A nonprofit outside Portland is using martial arts to prepare children for challenges beyond the gym, offering training in combat sports it says build discipline, respect and self-confidence.

Father’s Heart Sports operates out of Team Quest and connects with students through their schools. The organization says combat sports can help children develop emotional control, focus and self-confidence.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has found that participating in martial arts can lead to reduced stress and improved physical fitness and school performance.

Students say training changed their lives

Jervy Womplu, 10, has trained at Team Quest for four and a half years. He said the program made a direct difference in his behavior and academics.

“At first I was getting bullied and then I got in some fights, and I was starting to get bad grades,” Womplu said. “I’m not getting into fights anymore, I’m not getting suspended.”

Betty Lind’s son, Ellis, has attended Team Quest for three years. She said the program has helped him grow in ways she did not expect.

“He’s had growth in so many areas — his confidence mostly,” Lind said. “It’s a really positive place for the kids and it really allows them to grow within themselves to do things that they maybe didn’t think they could do.”

Founder brought Olympic experience to the gym

Father’s Heart Sports was founded by Matt Lindland, who grew up outside Oregon City and began wrestling in high school. He went on to compete in the 2000 Olympics, earning a silver medal, before becoming a professional MMA fighter. He also coached the U.S. Olympic wrestling teams in 2016 and 2020.

“Anything in life, when you start something new, it’s going to be a little scary,” Lindland said. “You are going to be a little nervous, you got to jump in and try things and you got to be bold, you got to be courageous — and those are the things martial arts teaches you.”

Lindland said his goal is to see students grow into adults who return to give back.

“My favorite thing is seeing these guys that came in here, they were nervous, they were timid, they were scared and they get on the mats and they try it and they fall in love with the sport,” Lindland said. “They stick here for a decade or so and then all of a sudden they are adults and they want to come back and coach and give back because it changed their lives.”

Former student now coaches the next generation

Carl “CJ” Orchard began training at Team Quest when he was 5 years old. Now more than a decade later, he coaches at the same gym.

“I like watching the kids go through what I had to and being a coach and helping them push through what they have to,” Orchard said.

Orchard said the program’s location makes its mission especially important.

“Having a program like this is important,” Orchard said. “Outside, we are not exactly located in the best area in Portland. So, it gets kids off of those streets and out of the gangs and other stuff going on and into a disciplined area where they can learn and learn from their actions.”

Lindland said the organization has never had to turn a child away because they could not afford the equipment to join.

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